J. Mori Johnson
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic executive specializing in enterprise-level diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with over 20 years of experience leading large-scale initiatives within complex, matrixed organizations. Expertise in crafting and implementing comprehensive DEI strategies that integrate equity into governance, talent management, and organizational culture, while providing senior leaders with actionable, data-driven insights to enhance employee engagement and foster a sense of belonging. Highly skilled in facilitating impactful programs such as Ambassador initiatives and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), with a proven ability to cultivate high-performing teams. Committed to driving transformative change through strategic leadership training, robust analytics, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Director, Embedding Equity, Center for Health Equity
AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA)
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Developed and operationalized enterprise equity goals for 1,400 employees across 20 business units, aligning objectives with organizational strategy and performance expectations.
- Led cross-enterprise equity training and coaching programs for leaders and staff, advancing inclusive leadership capabilities and psychological safety.
- Managed strategic partnerships with external vendors and internal leaders to deliver scalable DEI learning, tools, and resources.
- Directed team to build relationships with all 20 business unit leaders and created foundational equity education strategies for staff.
Director, Ambassador Engagement & Health Equity Liaison
AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA)
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Built and led an innovative ambassador network of 1,350 ambassadors with social media reach of 4M+ annually to amplify health equity and inclusion messages.
- Co-developed a five-year strategic plan and proprietary ambassador content app to drive consistent, brand-aligned equity messaging and engagement.
- Designed and facilitated DEI learning experiences, including microaggressions in the workplace, psychological safety, trauma-informed leadership, and racial equity trainings.
- Served as a key contributor to internal embedding equity initiatives, including medical justice in advocacy, anti-racism accountability training, and cross-enterprise health equity workgroups.
Director, Sections and Special Groups
AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA)
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Restructured 12 member sections in the House of Delegates, increasing member engagement by 25% and strengthening governance and retention strategies.
- Founded an internal diversity working group prior to the creation of the Center for Health Equity, hosting educational programs and courageous conversations that catalyzed ongoing equity work.
- Led performance management, development planning, and cross-enterprise community building for multi-generational, diverse leadership teams.
- Managed complex budgets, resource allocation, and concurrent strategic initiatives across multiple teams.
Education
Master of Arts - Corporate and Multicultural Communications
DePaul University
Chicago, ILMaster of Arts - Psychological Educational Processes
Temple University
Philadelphia, PABachelor of Arts - Communications and Linguistics
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJSkills
- DEI & Belonging Strategy (enterprise and business unit)
- Equity goal setting, KPIs, and impact reporting
- Inclusive leadership training & facilitation
- Executive coaching & senior stakeholder influence
- Change management & culture transformation
- Data analysis, dashboards, and DEI metrics
- ERGs/ambassador networks & employee engagement
- Governance, policy, and advocacy for underrepresented groups
- Cross-functional collaboration with HR, Communications, and Business Units
Affiliations
- Chair, AMA Women Inspired Now (WIN); Mentor, WIN Mentoring Circles; Chair and founder, AMA Environmental Team
- Secretary of the Board, A Silver Lining Foundation
- President, Chicago Junior Chamber of Commerce; President, Chicago Junior Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- Mentor, Chicago Scholars and Association Forum
Certification
- Professional Coach (ACC), International Coaching Federation (ICF) (in progress)
- Certified Menopause Specialist Coach
- Everything DiSC Certified Practitioner & Partner
Timeline
Director, Embedding Equity, Center for Health Equity
AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA)
01.2024 - 01.2025
Director, Ambassador Engagement & Health Equity Liaison
AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA)
01.2018 - 01.2024
Director, Sections and Special Groups
AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (AMA)
01.2013 - 01.2018
Master of Arts - Psychological Educational Processes
Temple University
Master of Arts - Corporate and Multicultural Communications
DePaul University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and Linguistics
Rutgers University